Initiator, mechanical exploding device



Dec. 27, 1966 s. L. sTt JTz INITIATOR, MECHANICAL EXPLODING DEVICE Filed March 16, 1965 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. SI/21 z. srz/rz 5- L. STUTZ Dec. 27, 1966 MECHANICAL EXPLODING DEVICE INITIATOR 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 16, 1965 fs .1 a

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Y B 0 d m Dec. 27, 1966 S. L. STUTZ INITIATOR MECHANICAL EXPLODING DEVICE 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed March 16, 1965 INVENTOR. swamp 1. $7072 United States Patent Ofiice 3,294,021 Patented Dec. 27, 1966 The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the United States Government for governmental purposes without the payment to me of any royalty thereon.

This invention relates to mechanically actuated percussion type explosive initiator devices, primarily usable with a vehicle or other component destructive systems, having for an object the provision of an electromechanical percussion initiator device for initiating the explosion of a destructive charge for destroying a vehicle, structure, or other destructive system, and provides additional security from inadverent initiation by stray electric and R.F. voltages and currents. Electroexplosive devices of the prior art, for initiating the explosion and destruction of vehicles, and other devices or structures are usually initiated by the discharge of an electrical voltage and current across an electrical bridge of fine wire buried in a preliminary explosive charge or squib for exploding a main destructive charge and is nonselective of the type of voltages and current, making it susceptible to initiation by various stray and induced voltages and currents within its environment that are not intended to cause the initiation. Additionally, due to the buildup and storage of heat over a period of time, due to the presence and pickup of these stray voltages, when impressed across the bridge circuit can cause inadvertent initiation or dudding long before the bridge wire has received its normally required excitation, causing premature or unintended destruction of the vehicle, personnel, or vehicle stores, etc.

With the electroexplosive devices indicated above, due to the above mentioned characteristics, operators and users thereof are never certain of the destructive initiators lstate of readiness since a measure of this or a usable record of its past exposure cannot be obtained or evaluated effectively. Consequently the present and conventional designs of electroexplosive initiator devices, after being put into installations or use, are a constant threat to life and property.

The routine use, storage, and maintenance of these devices at operational sites is not readily consonate with the aforementioned characteristics and therefore present design practices used in the development and use of companion equipments, both base installation equipment and airborne equipment are not practically compatible with explosive devices of such varied and temperamental nature. Total and complete shielding of the conventional explosive devices also, is not practical in the presence of missile site radars which have directional peak powers in the order of several megawatts.

The electroexplosive initiator devices employing electrically exploded bridge wire chemical exploding ordnance are only safely usable in a prescription type en'- vironment, i.e. carefully controlled laboratory conditions.

An object of the invention is to provide an explosive initiator for ordnance destruct systems having a higher degree of imperviousness to stray induced voltages and currents normally found in installations of operational vehicles, airfields and launch complexes than present explosive initiator hardware ofiers.

A further object is the provision of an explosive initiator which is physically isolated from stray voltage pickup, either conducted or induced.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of an explosive initiator for ordnance destruct packages that is devoid of electric wires entering the explosive chemical compound or its container.

A further object is the provision of a percussion type explosive initiator, for detonation of the device responsive only to mechanical percussion to detonate the device, including a hammer or plunger explosive initiator with storedmechanical'energy for initiating the hammer toward firing position, and an electromagnetically shielding means for releasing the plunger, including means for accelerating the plunger in its firing direction when released, to explode the destruct package.

More specifically an object of the invention is an explosive initiator device for high explosive destruct packages, including a latched trigger for releasing a spring stressed plunger or hammer for exploding a cap to detonate a squib, in which the plunger comprises a solenoid type armature held retracted by the latch trigger, and includes solenoid coil and shielding means surrounding the plunger for releasing the latch to free the plunger and disposed, when energized, to assist in accelerating the plunger toward the cap to explode the same.

A further object includes metallic shielding means surrounding the plunger and solenoid coil means, to shield the same against stray electric and R.F. voltage and currents.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to like parts in the several figures.

Drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation of the improved explosive initiator incorporating the invention, showing the main or destruct explosive charge container in dotted lines;

FIG. 2 is a vertical longitudinal section taken about on the plane indicated by line 2-2 in FIG. 1 looking in the direction of the arrows, showing the same con nected to a main explosive destruct container, showing the same in ready position in full lines and in actuated position in dottedlines;

FIG. 3 is. a transverse sectional view taken about on line 3-3' of FIG. 2 looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary detail longitudinal sectional view about on line 2-2 of FIG. 1 showing the main explosive destruct container or package removed and the safety plate automatically shifted (to the right) to obstruct the passage of the squib firing pin or extension through the firing pin aperture in the top of the explosive initiator device;

FIG. 5 is. a transverse sectional view about on line 5-5 of FIG. 4 showing the resilient safety plate in safety position in full lines, and in operative or ready position in dotted lines;

FIG. 6 is a transverse sectional view taken about on line 6-6 in FIG. 2 looking in the direction of the arrows, showing more particularly the resilient latching plate for the solenoid plunger.

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of a slightly modified embodiment of the invention showing the same secured or screwed into a main explosive charge or destructor device;

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view taken abouton line 8-8 in FIG. 7, looking in the direction of the arrows, showing the device cocked ready for firing, with the solenoid firing plunger shown partly in elevation, and including a circuit arrangement for exciting the solenoid successively;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary sectional 'view taken about on line 9-9 in FIG. 7, looking in the direction of the arrows; and

FIG. is an end view of the magnetic pole piece seen in FIGS. 7 to 9, for tripping the latch to free the plunger or hammer for firing movement toward the explosive s uib.

Referring to the disclosure illustrated in the drawings, which shows a mechanically actuated (percussion type) explosive charge device, called the initiator, for initiating destructor packages for gas generators, separation and release charges, and other ordnance operated devices for destructive purposes the invention differs from the presently used systems of ordnance devices of this type which are usually initiated by electrically exploded squibs which history has shown to be inordinately sensitive to stray electric voltages and currents, induced, conducted or radiated.

The subject invention device employs electric voltage and current to operate a solenoid accelerated hammer, which is, of itself, insensitive to stray electric and electromagnetic voltages and currents, the device being arranged so that the sensitive charge portion is electrically, physi cally, and electromagnetically impervious to the stray environments that are so reactive to the present devices, such as the chemical ordnance charges, and also includes a mechanical interlocking safety feature to prevent accidental firing due to impaction or vibration and during assembly, removal, and inspection of the device, thus providing a safe arming feature or means for the explosive initiator.

In the device illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6 the reference numeral 1 denotes a main explosive charge or destruct package containing an explosive charge 2 and having a cylindrical internally threaded supporting extension 3 for receiving and supporting the initiator explosive device of the invention, indicated generally at 4, being internally threaded at 5 with a tapered mouth or entrance 6, for purposes later to be explained.

The bottom of the threaded initiator receiving extension 3 may be perforated or provided with an opening 7 to permit the explosion from the initiator 4 to penetrate, to reach and detonate the explosive charge 2 in the main destruct container 1.

The initiator 4 proper comprises an elongated cylindrical casing 8 of suitable nonmagnetic material, such as brass, at the upper end 9 of which, as seen in FIGS. 1 to 6, is secured an annular metallic shield and supporting member 10, the member 10, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 4; having an overlying threaded connection 11 with the upper end portion 9 of the cylindrical sleeve 'or casing 8 and is formed with a concentric reduced threaded extension or neck 12 having an explosive squib receiving chamber 14 for receiving an explosive squib 15 having a percussion cap 16 and an explosive charge 17.

The bottom, or partition 14a in the bottom, of the chamber 14 is formed with a central opening 18 in axial alignment with the cap 16 for exploding the squib 15 with a percussion device or firing pin 19 on the upper end of a hammer or armature core member 20 which is slidably guided longitudinally in the bore of the cylinder 8. The armature or core member 20 is preferably hollow and formed of soft iron or other nonperrnanent magnetic material.

FIG. 2 shows the initiator assembled on the destruct charge container 1, and cocked ready for firing, in which an annular groove or shoulder 21 extends around the hammer or core, in latched engagement with the outer or free end 22 of a resilient latch member 23 which is fixed at its opposite or lower end at 24 to the outer surface of the cylinder 8, somewhat in the manner shown in the drawings, such as by rivets 24a being tensioned inwardly through the opening 24b into the groove 21 by the resiliency of the latch plate 23.

The latch plate member 23 is formed with an upwardly extending extremity 25 the purpose of which will be later explained.

A suitable closure cap 26 is threadably (and removably) secured over the lower end portion of barrel or cylinder 8 and contains a compression spring 27 seated at one end on the bottom of the cap 26 with its upper end in actuating engagement with the lower end of the hammer or core 20.

Withdrawal of the latch or pawl end 22 of the latch plate 23 from the annular shoulder formed by the groove 21 frees the armature core member 20 for the initiation and forward travel under the influence and assistance of the spring 27 toward the upper end of the cylinder 8 to project the firing pin 19 through the opening 18 for detonating contact with the primer or cap 16.

A second or lower annular shield member 28 or collar, as seen in FIG. 2, surrounds the exterior of the shell 8, being of magnetic material, such as soft iron so as not to be permanently magnetized.

This band 28 may be split and formed with a laterally bent extension 29 having a notch 29a to receive the free upper or armature end 23a of a release latch lever 23b pivoted at 23c on the sleeve 8 with the lower end 23d of the lever 23b disposed behind the extension 25 (between the extension 25 and the outer surface of the sleeve 8).

The resiliency of the latch plate 23 normally stresses the extension 25 toward the sleeve 8 and this rocks the armature end 23a of the lever 23b outwardly as shown, adjacent to but out of the notch 29a, so that when the shield 28 is magnetized the lever 23b will be rocked to engage the extension 25 for withdrawing the pawl end 22 out from the annular groove or shoulder 21 and free the hammer or core 20 for forward travel in the sleeve or barrel 8, under the influence of the coil spring 27.

First and second solenoid coils 30 and 31 are mounted respectively on and surrounding the annular metallic shield members 28 and 10, being connected electrically in parallel by the conductors 30a and 31a to a suitable electrical source, such as a battery 32 under the control of a switch 33 at a remote location, preferably.

The explosive initiator 4 is removable from the threaded extension 3 and means are provided for safetying the initiator 4 while the same is separated and, or removed from the extension 3, and comprises a tempered resilient safety plate 35 disposed in slidable relation directly below the web portion 14a having an aperture 35a and a shank portion 35b as seen in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5, which slidably extends through a slot 14b in the neck member 12 with an angular rebent resilient portion 35c disposed to engage the outer surface of the member 12 and shift the safety plate 35 to the right as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, to shift the aperture 3511 out of alignment with the opening 18 in the web 14a and thus block the entrance of the percussion or firing pin 19 through the opening 18 into the squib chamber 14 and exploding the cap 16 and detonating the squib 15.

When the initiator 4 is inserted into the extension 3 of the destructive charge container 1 and screwed home the camming surface or tapered entrance 6 engages and shifts the safety plate 35 to the left (dotted lines in FIG. 5) to align the openings 35a and 18 to condition the initiator 4 ready for initiation or firing.

Closing of the switch 33 energizes the solenoid coils 30 and 31 creating the conventional magnetic fiux field within the cylinder or shell 8 for acceleration of the projecting core or hammer 20 upwardly (when released by the latch 23 and urged upwardly by the spring 27).

Simultaneously the flux in the shield member 28 creates a magnetic field or attraction in the laterally bent extension and notch 29a to disengage the resilient latch end 22 from the shoulder in the annular groove 21, permitting the coil spring 27, in conjunction with the magnetic field of the solenoid coils 3t} and 31 to project the plunger percussion pin 19 forward through the openings 35a and 18, detonating the cap 16 and exploding the squib 15, and charge 17, to detonate the main destructive charge 2.

Normally the coils and the metallic shields and 28 prevent stray R.F. voltagesand currents from exploding the detonating initiator device, however the entire initiator body 4 may be surrounded by a suitable metallic, grounded, shield 36, if desired.

7 Removal of the member 12 from the threaded extension 3 permits removal, inspection and replacement of the squib and charge17 and the removal permits: the resilient extension 35a to shift the safety plate to close or partly close the opening 18 so that the firing pin 19 cannot enter and reach the squib cap 16 until the device is fully assembled, as seen in FIG. 2.-

If desired the squib chamber 14 may be provided with any suitable means or arrangement for retaining the squib member therein, such as aconventional snap ring 38.

, Referring now to the slightly modified embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 to 10 similar reference numerals to those used in connection with FIGS. 1 to 6 ,will be used foridentifying identical parts, except the same will be primed.

The main destruct charge container 1' has a neck or receiving extension 3' for receiving the neck portion of the explosive initiator device 4' shown in elevation in FIG. 7 and in section in FIG. 8.

The arrangement is similar except the annular shield members. 10 and 28 are omitted, or modified, the upper solenoid coil 31' and lower coil 30' are disposed directly in surrounding relation around the upper portion of the barrel or nonmagnetic cylinder or sleeve 8', the lower solenoid coil 31' serving as a field coil also for magnetizing a pole piece or plate 39 bent laterally at its lower end 40. and formed with a relatively wide notch 41 for receivingthe armature end or head 42 of the latch release lever 43. The lever 43 is pivoted at 44 on brackets 45 on the case 8" with its lower end behind and pressed inwardly by the upper end extension 25' on the spring latch plate 23' and is provided with a latch pawl 22', projecting inwardly through theopening 24b into the pathof the shoulder formed by the annular groove 21 in the solenoid core'member or hammer 20', preventing movement, until released of the hammer 20' and its firing pin 19' toward the cap of the squib located in the reduced supporting extension 12' under the influence of'the' coil spring 27 contained in the cap 26', and dueto the magnetic field of the solenoid coils 30"and 31.

The removal of the shields 10 and 28 should increase the efl'ectiveness of the coils 30' and 31', when energized;

The coils 31 and 30 are provided with suitable electric conductors 31a and 30a however provision is made to energize the coils 30' and 31' successively as shown in FIG; 8.

' control switch 33 first closes the circuit through wires-46 and 47 to energize the solenoid coil 30 (only),

together with the relay coil 48, of course, through the battery 49. This closes the relay 50 and energizes the pole piece 39-40 rocking the lever 43 clockwise; causing the lower lever end 23d to disengage the latch portion 22 from the hammer member 20' and thus free the spring 27 for projecting the hammer further into the field or flux of the coil 30'.

The relay 50 closes the" contacts 50a. establishing electrical circuit through 'the' wires 51, 46, and 52 (and 46a) to almost immediately, but successively, energize the solenoid coil 30', after the hammer 20' is moving forward to project the firing pin 19' into detonating contact with the fin'ng. cap of the squib, not shown in these figures, but identical to the cap 16 shown inFIG. 2.

Like-FIGS. l..to 6, asuitable grounded metallic. shield 36' may be provided to. surround and further protect the device against strong radarprojected currents or voltages, also the lead-in wires may be suitably shielded.

For purposes of exemplification, two particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described to the best understanding. thereof. However, it will. be

apparent that changes and modifications in the arrangement and construction of the parts thereof'may be resorted to without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

I claim:

1. An explosive detonator for destructive explosive charge devices comprising, an elongated cylindrical barrel, a neck portion at one end thereof adapted to be connected to a destructive explosive charge container, said neck portion having an explosive squib chamber formed in the outer end thereof for receiving a percussion explosive squib therein having a percussion cap for exploding the squib, a solenoid coil surrounding said barrel adjacent said neck portion, a solenoid plunger slida'bly fitting said barrel for free movement therein toward said neck portion, a firing pin projecting from said plunger toward said neck portion for injection into said squib chamber to detonate said cap and explode said squib when said plunger is projected toward said neck portion, releasable latch means on said barrel for latching and holding engagement withsaid plunger when said plunger is in predetermined spaced remote relation from said neckportion, coil spring means in said barrel between said plunger and the end of said barrel remote from said neck end for projecting said plunger, when released, toward said neck portion, electromagnet release means between said coiland saidba'rrel for magnetically disengaging said latch means from. said plunger for movement thereof by said spring means toward'said neck portion and simultaneously project saidplunger magnetically toward said neck portion for projecting said firing pin into said squib chamber to explode said squib under accelerating influence of said spring means and said solenoid magnet coil to explode the destructive explosive. charge.

2. An explosive detonator for destructive explosive charge devices as set forth in claim 1 including means in said neck portion for blocking the entrance of said firing pininto said squib chamberto prevent detonation ofsaid squib when said detonator is removed from said destructive explosive charge device, and automatically rendered operative when said detonator is connected to said destructive explosive charge device.

3. An electromechanical detonator device for destruct explosive charge devices comprising, an elongated nonmagnetic cylinder having an upper end and a lower end, a magnetic shield-like closure fixed on said upper end having a neck portion adapted to be connected in communication with the interior of the destruct charge device and formed with a percussion explosive squib receiving chamber .having a firing pin receiving opening through the bottom thereof into said cylinder at the upper end thereof, a safety plate disposed in said neck portion in movable relation immediately below said squib receiving chamber having a firing pin receiving opening therein adapted to move withv said plate into and out of registration with saidfiring pin receiving opening in said squib receiving chamber, said plate having'a first position to align said opening therein with said firing pin receiving opening in said squib receiving chamber, and movable to a second safe position to dispose said openings out of alignment to prevent a firing pin from entering said squib receiving chamber and detouating a squib therein, said plate having resilient yieldable means contacting said neck for shifting said plate to said second position and movable by attachment of said detonator device to said destruct device, to said first position, said plunger having a firing pin fixed thereon projecting toward said upper end for. entrance through said firing pin receiving opening, when not obstructed by said plate, for detonating said cap to explode a squib when inserted in said squib receiving chamber, compression spring means in said cylinder between said plunger and said lower end of said cylinder for resiliently urging said plunger, when released, upwardly toward said upper end, latch means carried by said cylinder for latching engagement with said plunger for releasably retaining said plunger in predetermined spaced relation away from said upper end with said spring means compressed, and a solenoid coil surrounding said cylinder including an electromagnet energized by said coil for releasing said latch means and attracting said plunger for accelerated movement toward said upper end for projecting said firing pin through said firing pin receiving opening to detonate an explosive squib therein, when said solenoid coil is energized.

4. An electromechanical detonator device for exploding destruction charge devices comprising, an elongated nonferrous cylinder, closure means at one end thereof for connecting the same to a destruction charge device, said closure means having a percussion explodable squib receiving chamber formed therein with a firing pin receiving opening therefrom into said cylinder for receiving a firing pin therethrough for exploding a'squib disposed in said chamber, closure means for closing the other end of said cylinder, a cylindrical plunger core member axially movable within said cylinder between a cocked position in predetermined spaced relation to said one end and a firing position adjacent said one end, releasable latch means-carried by said cylinder for holding engagement with said plunger when in said cocked position, spring means in said cylinder between said other end and said plunger core member for urging said plunger core member, when released, toward said one end, solenoid coil means surrounding said cylinder adjacent said one end for attracting and accelerating movement of said plunger core member, when released, toward said one end, including electromagnet means energized. and .enclosed by said solenoid coil means for withdrawing said latch means to disengage the same from said plunger core member to permit movement of said plunger core member by said spring means toward said one end into the flux field of said solenoid coil means, for accelerating movement of said plunger core member towardsaid one end, and a firing pin on said plunger core member projecting toward said one end in axial alignment with said firing pin opening, for entering said opening to detonate a percussion explodable squib, when disposed in said squib receiving chamber, said detonator device is secured on a destructive charge device having an explosive charge therein, in communication with said squib receiving chamber and said solenoid coil is energized.

5. An electromechanical detonator device for explosive destruction charge containers having an internally threaded cylindrical neck portion formed with an outwardly flared entrance end, for receiving and supporting the detonator device thereon, said detonator device comprising a nonferrous elongated cylinder having a concentric reduced externally threaded neck adapted to be threadably received and secured in the aforementioned internally threaded neck portion, and formed with a percussion explodable squib receiving chamber opening outwardly for communication with the interior of the destruction charge container and having a concentric firing pin receiving aperture through the bottom thereof into the cylinder at one end thereof, a safety plate slidably disposed in said neck immediately below the bottom of said squib chamber opening, said plate having a firing pin receiving opening therethrough movable with said plate betweena firing position in alignment with the firing pin receiving opening in the bottom of said squib receiving chamber and a safe position with said plate opening out of register with the squib, chamber bottom opening, said plate having a resilient actuator extending therefrom in contact with the exterior of the exteriorly threaded neck for shifting said plate to said safe position, said resilient actuator being disposed for actuating engagement with the outwardly flared entrance of the internally threaded neck portion of the explosive destruction charge container for shifting said plate to align said firing pin receiving opening with said firing pin receiving aperture when said detonator device is screwed home on the neck of said destructive charge container, solenoid coil means surrounding said elongated cylinder adjacent the neck end thereof for establishing a magnetic flux field within said cylinder when energized, a solenoid core member axially movable in said cylinder between a cocked position remotely spaced from said neck end and a firing position within said solenoid coil at said neck end, latch means carried by said cylinder for releasably retaining said core in said cocked position, magnet release means excited by said solenoid coil for actuating said latch means to release said core, a compression coil spring disposed in said cylinder between said core and the end of the cylinder opposite from the neck end thereof for urging said core toward said neck end, a firing pin concentrically projecting from said core member toward said neck end in alignment with said firing pin receiving aperture, adapted to be projected through said aperture to detonate a squib insaid squib chamber, upon accelerated movement of said core in said cylinder toward said neck end by said spring and solenoid coil, when said coil is energized.

6. An electromechanical detonator device as set forth in claim 5 including an electrostatic shield surrounding said solenoid coil for preventing stray currents and voltages from energizing said solenoid coil and releasing said latch means.

7. An electromechanical detonator device for exploding destruction charges comprising, a nonmagneticelongated cylinder body having a necked down end disposed for fixed removable communication with the destruction charge, a first solenoid coil surrounding said cylinder body adjacent said necked .down end, a second solenoidv coil surrounding said cylinder body adjacent said first coil, between the same and the other end of the cylinder body, a solenoid plunger core axially movable in said cylinder body from a cocked position between said second coil and said other end to a detonating position adjacent said necked down end, magnetic release latch means carried by said cylinder body for releasably retaining said core in said cylinder in cocked position adjacent said other end, including magnetic release means responsive to the energizing of said second coil for releasing said latch means, coil spring means in said cylinder between said other end and core for moving said core, when released, in a direction toward said second and first solenoid coils, a firing pin on said core projecting toward said necked down end for projection into said necked down end when said core is projected through said second and first solenoid coils by said spring means and magnetic flux in said coils when said coils are energized, for detonating a percussion squib in said necked down end for detonating said destruction charge. l I

8. A detonator device as set forth in claim 7, including relay means between said first and second coils energized by said second solenoid coil for energizing said first coil immediately subsequent to the energizing of said magnetic release means for said latch means and said secondcoil'.

9. Adetonat-or device as claimed in claim 8, including a resilient safety plate shiftable in said necked down end having a firing pin receiving opening therethrough, including spring means for shifting said plate to dispose the last mentioned opening out of alignment with the firing pin on the core when the detonator is separated fromthe destructive charge, and a container for the destructive charge having means for securing the container on the necked down end and simultaneously shifting said plate to align the firing pin opening therein with the firing pin on said core, and a detonating cap of a percuss'ion explodable squib when disposed in the neckeddown end of the cylinder body.

10. A detonator device of the class described, as set forth in claim 9, including an annular support of magnetie material surrounding said cylinder body between the same and each of the solenoid coils, in which the support between the cylinder body and the second coil is formed with a laterally extending magnet pole piece between the second coil and said other end, and a pivoted lever carried by said cylinder body between the pole piece and the release latch means having an armature end disposed for attraction to said pole piece and an opposite end for releasing said latch means when said second coil is energized.

11. In a detonator device, a solenoid coil, a supporting nonmagnetic cylinder therefor extending axially beyond the ends of the coil, said cylinder having a percussion cap explodable squib receiving chamber at one end and a removable closure cap at its opposite end, said cylinder having a concentric firing pin receiving opening formed therein extending from said squib receiving chamber toward said cap, a solenoid hammer core member axially slidable in said cylinder having a firing pin disposed in alignment with said opening for projection into said squib receiving chamber to detonate an explosive squib therein, upon projection of said core member toward said one end by magnetic flux from said solenoid c-oil when said solenoid coil is energized, magnetic latch release means on said cylinder for latching engagement with said core for releasably retaining said core in predetermined axially spaced relation in said cylinder from said solenoid coil, means for simultaneously energizing said coil and said latch release means, and spring means in said cylinder between said core and said closure cap for urging said core toward said one end into the flux field of said solenoid coil when the same is energized and the core is released.

No references cited.

BENJAMIN A. BORCHELT, Primary Examiner.

W. C. ROCH, Assistant Examiner. 

11. IN A DETONATOR DEVICE, A SOLENOID COIL, A SUPPORTING NONMAGNETIC CYLINDER THEREFOR EXTENDING AXIALLY BEYOND THE ENDS OF THE COIL, SAID CYLINDER HAVING A PERCUSSION CAP EXPLODABLE SQUIB RECEIVING CHAMBER AT ONE END AND A REMOVABLE CLOSURE CAP AT ITS OPPOSITE END, SAID CYLINDER HAVING A CONCENTRIC FIRING PIN RECEIVING OPENING FORMED THEREIN EXTENDING FROM SAID SQUIB RECEIVING CHAMBER TOWARD SAID CAP, A SOLENOID HAMMER CORE MEMBER AXIALLY SLIDABLE IN SAID CYLINDER HAVING A FIRING PIN DISPOSED IN ALIGNMENT WITH SAID OPENING FOR PROJECTION INTO SAID SQUIB RECEIVING CHAMBER TO DETONATE AN EXPLOSIVE SQUIB THEREIN, UPON PROJECTION OF SAID CORE MEMBER TOWARD SAID ONE END BY MAGNETIC FLUX FROM SAID SOLENOID COIL WHEN SAID SOLENOID COIL IS ENERGIZED, MAGNETIC LATCH RELEASE MEANS ON SAID CYLINDER FOR LATCHING ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID CORE FOR RELEASABLY RETAINING SAID CORE IN PREDETERMINED AXIALLY SPACED RELATION IN SAID CYLINDER FROM SAID SOLENOID COIL, MEANS FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY ENERGIZING 